Carabella Pinot noir Chehalem Mountain 08

2008 Wine Spectator - 91 points - Berry fruit, spice and minerality on the nose. Weight and complex fruit on the palate with great length. Supple tannin structure is backed by lively acidity. A touch of earth on the finish. Tune in five years from now for something truly spectacular. - H.S.

Previous Vintage Tasting Notes

2005 Vintage Tasting Notes

Aromas of sun-ripened black cherries covered with fresh cream and hints of vanilla, studded with cinnamon and lavender. Mouth-coating dark cherry and berry flavors are framed by juicy acidity and fine tannins that seamlessly integrated. Great finesse and depth, with a finish of subtle spicy herbs and earth. This is a beautiful follow up to the 2004.

2004 Vintage Tasting Notes

Ever start thinking about rearranging your finances, or wine cellar, so that you can fit a few more bottles of a knock out wine? I had that moment last night while drinking the 2004 Carabella Estate Pinot Noir.

A bouquet of fresh raspberries and spicy, dried herbs with subtle lavender accents greets you. With time, the aromas gain a darker edge, with violets and beautiful red fruit. Luscious and sweet raspberry, cherry, and streaks of ripe strawberry flavors mix with bits of vanilla cocoa. After the juiciness steps aside, an incredible sweetness hits your palate and sails through the finish, mingling with red licorice hints, more creamy red fruit and peppery spice. I just love the texture...and I want another glass.

One of the most impressive aspects of the Carabella '04 Pinot is the combination of complexity and accessibility. This wine is wonderfully balanced for longer-term aging but is gorgeous right out of the bottle. - ml

"(Bottled at 13.9%. 475 cases produced). Initially there was a noticeable char note on the otherwise exceptionally pretty violet and deep red-toned fruit but this quickly dissipated to complement the rich, full and sweet flavors that are a bit more serious and structured than their 2003 counterparts. All wrapped in a vibrant and impressively intense finish. This too is a lovely effort with just a bit more underlying material that gives it the edge. Recommended. 91/2009+."

Lush, sweet, beautifully balanced, an October 2006 Avalon reserve Pinot noir Club selection. extremely limited.